Local chef, reality contestant adopts from MSPCA

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Jason Santos, owner and executive chef at Blue Inc., says the dog he adopted was the only one that didn’t bark at his blue hair.

By Kristi PalmaGlobe Staff
August 28, 2012

Jason Santos, owner and executive chef at Blue Inc. in Boston’s Financial District, recently adopted a dog from the MSPCA. Santos, a former contestant on the Fox TV show “Hell’s Kitchen,” dished with us on e-mail about whether he feeds his pooch gourmet, the unusual trick he hopes to teach her, and why he will not be asking chef Gordon Ramsay for pet advice.

A. She had a name for six years so I thought it would be best not to change it. Her name is Samirya.

Q. What made you choose that particular dog?

A. It was the only dog that didn’t bark at my blue hair!

Q. A friend tweeted that she was dog-adopting with you and said, “[T]his will be an interesting experience.” Was she right? If so, why?

A. As a rule, she knows I am an impatient person, so with that said, I was hoping to just walk in and walk out with a dog. But, lucky for the MSPCA, they do their due diligence and make sure all animals are going to a good home. The process was great and still easy for people like me.

Q. You were a contestant on the seventh season of the Fox TV show “Hell’s Kitchen.” Chef Gordon Ramsay has a bulldog named Rumpole. Would you call Ramsay up for pet advice? Why or why not?

A. Probably not. From what I have heard, swearing at your dog probably doesn’t help so I would probably politely decline his advice.

Q. Will you feed your dog gourmet food?

A. Yes, of course. I shave fresh black truffles over her food every morning. Do dogs need anything more?

Q. Describe your new pet in three words.

A. Outgoing, crazy, and low attention span, like her owner.

Q. Tell us some activities you like to do with your dog.

A. I am trying to teach my dog to make me a drink when I get home but so far no luck, so I just stick to taking it on walks. She loves to be outside.

Q. Did you have pets growing up?

A. Yes I have had everything from a dog, to a ferret to an illegal African cat . . . long story.

Q. What is your message to folks thinking of adopting a rescue pet?

A. Adopt, adopt, adopt. It is a very easy process and very rewarding and you are doing something great for yourself and an animal. . . . It’s a no brainer. . . . MSPCA all the way! How’s that for an endorsement?